2 Killed in Major Head-On Crash in Apple Valley

Jan 13,2017

Two people were killed in a fatal head-on crash in Apple Valley Tuesday evening. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials, the driver of a green Toyota Corolla was heading west on Dale Evans Parkway when she drifted into oncoming traffic. The Toyota crashed head-on with a white Chevrolet Malibu. The crash occurred at 4:47 p.m. near Morro Road.

The speed of the vehicles is not yet known, but the impact was so severe that it ejected the Toyota’s motor more than 50 feet away from the crash site. The driver of the Toyota, 37-year-old Mindy Thorp of Lucerne Valley, died at the scene. The Chevrolet driver, 29-year-old Ethan Cutuli, had to be extricated from his vehicle. Cutuli was rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. He was pronounced dead at 6:41 p.m. at St. Mary Medical Center.

The CHP is investigating the fatal head-on crash. It is unclear why the Toyota driver entered the eastbound lane. Dale Evans Parkway was closed from the I-15 off-ramp to Morro Road for several hours while police investigated.

“Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones during this difficult time. We urge drivers to stay alert and to eliminate distractions while behind the wheel to avoid causing a head-on collision,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.